Loving Lately // Ankle Straps

 

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Yesterday I sent my mom one of those e-mails you can only send a mom or an extremely close friend - "I've decided I need a complete overhaul of my shoe line-up". Why do you have to be selective with this information? Because anyone else would roll their eyes and think you're completely insane (jury's still out on me). 

I'm pretty sure this revelation of sorts was prompted by all of the amazing shoes I can't keep my eyes off - and there seems to be one common denominator, the ankle strap. I started my collection with these last summer and just can't get enough. Which is your favorite?

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Spring Wardrobe Essentials // Embroidery

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Ever since pinning this pretty picture a year ago, I've had embroidered pieces on the brain. In fact, I surprised myself while digging through my pins on just how many embroidery inspiration photos I have saved. Therefore I have drawn one conclusion - I need to go shopping. In fact, that always seems to be my conclusion. Anyways, give me your thoughts on embroidery - will you be rocking some this spring?

PS - need more options? check out this cute little number.

Hey Mickey!

You know those mornings when you are getting ready and mentally running through all the options in your closet, and everything sounds terrible? That was me yesterday, and about 15 minutes into this infuriating routine I somehow remembered my Mickey sweatshirt that is usually reserved for lounging at home. I must say, I think my good old disney friend served me well for a day of running errands.

In other news, I chopped my hair this weekend. Two things: 1) holy mother of split ends 2) still trying to figure out how to style these shorter tresses 

old sweatshirt, similar here / j.crew jeans / chuck taylors / old tote, similar at sole society / j.crew factory necklace, updated version

Spring Wardrobe Essentials // Pastel

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The day when I can shed these winter layers will be a glorious one. Oh the freedom of wearing a light jacket instead of a parka and a scarf and a hat, and gloves. Woof. 

High on my list of must-haves for spring are anything and everything pastel. After a winter filled with mostly dark colors, soft pinks and blues feel fresh and almost therapeutic. Wear them head to toe or with a bold hue for a little color blocking. 

What trend are you most exited to sport this spring?

Channeling Spring

ray-ban sunglasses / sweater from piperlime / timex watch / old shorts (similar) / tights / sam edleman booties / old zara purse (great options: 1 & 2)

As I was getting ready Saturday, I spotted my long-forgotten neon orange purse hiding in the back of my closet. In a feeble attempt to will spring into existence, I pulled this lady out and decided to sport her for the day's activities. The result? Woke up to snow on Sunday. A for effort?! 

PS - please excuse the heavily wrinkled shorts, this is real life people. 

Sunday Browsing Vol. 2

Happy Sunday Friends! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! Mine was filled with lots of love - a casual date night with the hubs for Valentine's Day, followed by a baby shower celebrating four sweet mommas on Saturday. Of course, my weekend wouldn't be complete without a little browsing - here are a few things I'm loving lately!

• I think I may be the last person to learn about anything. But just in case I'm not the last person on earth, check out Darling Magazine - I'm already in love. 
• Zara is always a win. Natalie's round-up of their new spring collection is on point. 
• I'm thinking these would be fun addition to my closet this spring. 
• Spent last Sunday with Leigh & Callie (two amazing women) working on a winter collaboration. here's a little sneak peak. 
• I seem to be loving everything Nordstrom has to offer in the way of shoes lately - exhibt a, b, c -   maybe I can use a little tax-return money? (since that would be the mature adult thing to do)

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I Believe In // Silence

I am someone who doesn't relax well - every night after work, I get home and work on this here blog and/or do chores until it's time to brush my teeth and hop into bed. My husband jokes that I never stop, and I'm pretty sure the poor man now goes to bed an hour or two later then he did before we were married because he deals with my shenanigans. 

However, a few nights ago the red seas parted and I found myself lounging in bed in complete silence - no phone to look at, no magazine to flip through, no tv in the background, and no blogs to browse. I was surprised by how rejuvenating and peaceful it was. I know, it sounds unbelievably obvious, but most of the time I need to be reminded of these simple truths. 

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Valentine's Day // 4 Ways

feminine: top / skirt / earrings / heels / watch

casual: top / beanie / necklace / jeans 

classic: earrings / dress / clutch / heels

edgy: top / bag / bottoms / heels

The husband and I usually have a pretty quiet Valentine's Day, but this year we are venturing out to eat some hot dogs and check out the newish barcade downtown. With our night in mind, I will likely default to casual outfit but couldn't pass up the opportunity to plan a few looks for alternative plans. What type of look are you channeling for this Valentine's Day?

On a completely unrelated note - check out Nasty Gal's shoe collection - it's nothing short of amazing. 

Pattern Play // Valentine's Day

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There's no better time to embrace cheeky, over-the-top-girly prints then Valentine's Day? Whether single or taken, I'd recommend seizing the day and celebrating all the love in your life!

How do you guys celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you celebrate at all?!

I Believe In // Having Perspective

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A few weeks back I had a conversation with a friend about the repercussions of social media on the way we view the world. It's no secret that the majority of the population doesn't post pictures or a status chronicling a failure or showcasing the 10 year old sweats that were worn to the grocery store but I had never thought of how this may effect us. What we discussed, is that the perfect world portrayed on instagram, facebook, blogs, etc. can create unrealistic expectations for our own life and even cause feelings of inadequacy.

My favorite part of this conversation, that has stuck with me since, is when my friend proclaimed "life isn't always beautiful". I love that. And while I'm not trying to start a mass campaign against social media, I wanted to share the reminder with all of you that I am telling myself today. Life isn't always beautiful, even if it's potrayed that way, and I think that's okay. So this weekend, and weeks forward, I'm trying to keep persepective, and keep from comparing.

Wanderlust Wednesday // Ellicottville

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In a few weeks we are headed to Ellicottville, New York for a weekend of skiing with friends that I am so looking forward to. We went for the first time last year, where I spent half of the day falling on my face like a scared little girl, and the other half screaming in fear going down the most non-threating runs known to man. It's baby steps over here people. 

Even though we will be in the cold, I can't wait to bundle up and try my hand at skiing for the second time. I will be borrowing all of the necessary cold-weather gear, but here are a few things I would love to pack for our time in the cabin. I mean, what's better then enjoying the winter from a hot tub? 

Pattern Play // Garden Floral

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With the calendar slowly inching towards the possibility of warmer weather and spring collections being released, I have been drawn to prints that remind me of a beautiful English Garden on a warm, sunny day. Of course, I've never been to said English Garden, but it sounds pretty amazing. I mean, throw in a picnic and you probably have the perfect day. 

A Quarter-Century

baseball jacket / old top (similar) / belt / jeans / booties / handbag

This weekend was filled with continuous celebration, as I turned 25 yesterday and got spoiled by friends & family.

On Saturday, my husband treated me to brunch at Katalina's (highly recommend!) followed by a trip to my favorite park, where he purposed almost two years ago. It was such a sweet afternoon and was only improved by warmer temps that allowed me to wear the jacket that he surprised me with on Friday night.

30 (be)fore 30

Today I am 25 -a whole quarter-century! Yikes. It's funny your perception of adult-hood when you're younger - I remember thinking that by the time I was 25 I would surely be making millions, traveling the world, and living a life similar to a character in Sex & the City. Perception (and ignorance) is funny, isn't it?

While my current reality is far from my 16-year old dreams, I feel fortune to be celebrating another year of life today. My first 25 years brought a lot of new beginnings and a few endings, but I am most thankful for the roller coaster that is life - it's far from easy, but isn't it beautiful how all events, however big or small, good or bad, seem to shape us and teach us who we are?

In celebration of my quarter-century birthday, I've compiled a list of 30 things (both significant & insignificant) that I'd love to accomplish before the next milestone age...30. (double yikes!)

1. Learn Italian.

2. Travel to Italy.

3. Host Thanksgiving and/or Christmas for my family.

4. Visit the Grand Canyon.

5. Buy a home.

6. Throw a themed party, turn it into an annual celebration.

7. Plant a garden.

8. Complete the Contentment Challenge.

9. Find a signature scent.

10. Attend the olympics (I'm thinking Rio!)

11. Develop a respectable taste in wine, then visit Napa Valley.

12. Join or start a club (I'm think book or brunch).

13. Learn to appreciate the winter & cloudy days.

14. Take photography classes. 

15. Get my motorcycle licensee and finally ride my scooter.

16. Visit Disneyland.

17. Spend a weekend at a cabin without cell phone or internet service.

18. Go vegan (or at least try for a month).

19. Visit Maine in the summer. Indulge in multiple lobster rolls.

20. Figure out how to cook an egg so that it actually looks edible.

21. Travel to at least one new city every year.
22. Learn how to (successfully) make my husband's grandmother's famous German Chocolate Cake.
23. Know what it means to be so content in who I am that I don't worry about what other's may think.
24. Find a balance between spending time online & reading a book.
25. Learn how to reupholster and repaint furniture without it looking like a 5th grade art project.
26. See Jay-Z and Kanye West in concert (judge all you want, I love 'em).
27. Go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
28. Try one new restaurant every month.
29. Attend a music festival (any recommendations? I'm thinking Lollapoolza).
30. Stop being hesitant to share my faith boldly and confidently with others.